Gunshot wounds to the lower extremity: principles and treatment

Gunshot wounds to the lower extremity consist of three types: 1) low velocity, 2) high velocity, and 3) shotgun wounds. High velocity wounds are generally seen in military practice, whereas low velocity wounds are of concern in civilian practice. Adequate management of the gunshot wound necessitates a rigid protocol consisting of history and detailed physical examination. It is the purpose of this article to describe in detail the proper protocol for gunshot wound evaluation.